Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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As of May 15, many of the Tonto National Forest's developed recreation sites have opened for use. This includes all developed sites for the lower Salt River and Saguaro Lake, most developed sites at Apache, Canyon, and Roosevelt Lakes. Bartlett Lake sites are also open. "In conjunction with Governor Ducey's phased reopening of Arizona, we are opening many popular sites on the forest for public use and enjoyment," Tonto National Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth said. "We recognize the importance... Full story
Tonto Has Implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions The Tonto National Forest has begun Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in conjunction with other federal and state land management agencies in Arizona. According to Tonto National Forest Supervisor Neil Bosworth, rising temperatures and an increase in drying trends of grass fuel loads resulting from above average winter moisture prompted the decision to implement these fire restrictions. "Arizona's wet winter has created a carpet of grasses which are now cu... Full story
The key to enjoying a night fishing trip is organization. If you have all the equipment you need, and everything is kept where it should be, fishing in the dark is a real pleasure no matter what kind of fish you're after. Art Chamberlin has a lot of experience fishing at night, so he knows all the tricks that make night fishing fun and easy. Black Lights Black lights are a huge help when paired with fluorescent line at night. The black light makes the line glow, so you can see it jump or move... Full story
First, I want to acknowledge the source of this cover photo. It was one of the winners in Wisconsin's Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary's "Young American Creative Patriotic Art" contest. This contest is held annually by VFW Auxiliaries throughout the nation, including by our local Posts. It is one several scholarship opportunities for school-aged children and for those interested in continuing education. Information about these VFW Auxiliary contests may be found at https://vfwauxiliary.o... Full story
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is Beginning to Increase Recreational Access to Lake Powell Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, UT/AZ– Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor t... Full story
I was lucky enough to get out on the lake when it opened to locals last month. Lake Powell bass were spunky, bold and ready to chase or eat anything in the tackle box. I started with a simple single-tail green grub and dropped that straight down 8-15 feet in front of isolated rockslides. Smallmouth from 1-2 pounds were all over the bait. Catching was quick and easy and a whole lot of fun. Every rockslide had a bunch of agreeable bass. The success came because bass were in spawning mode and they... Full story
Editor's Note: The following information was applicable as we went to press. For updates, call (602) 942-3000, or email customerservice@azgfd.gov The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is committed to staying connected with its customers and continuing to provide exceptional service. As updates related to the COVID-19 situation become available, AZGFD will share any new developments or changes to processes. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Is the Ben Avery Shooting Facility open? All r... Full story
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, UT/AZ– Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. B... Full story
Television host and musician Johnny Johnson has lived in Lakeside for most of his life and knows these lakes intimately. He lives about five minutes from Rainbow Lake, and spends time on the water nearly every day. Johnny is an avid fisherman and has a good record as a tournament bass fisherman. He is probably one of the best-known bass fishermen in Arizona because of his television show Fishing with Johnny Johnson. ...... Website
The Japanese have a term "Shinrinyoku" that literally means "forest therapy". They know that getting outdoors soothes your soul and relaxes your mind. It is really good for kids to get outdoors and be able to run and play and explore nature – and yes, even get really dirty. My dad started taking me camping and hunting when I was very young, and I always love the feeling that you get when you leave the city behind. To this day, it lifts my spirits to get out where there are no buildings in v... Full story
You can still get to Apache Lake – you just have to go to Roosevelt Lake and drive south from there. Right now the Apache Trail is still washed out, but access to the lake from the north is still possible. You may not remember the name Casey Iwai – he was a youngster who was quite a stick back in the day. He even fished the Bassmaster trail for a year and was featured on their television coverage. He had a great reputation in the tournament circles in Arizona as well. Casey is now a doctor, but... Website
With approximately 10,000 surface acres of water, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is known as one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the valley. Each weekend, thousands of residents visit the park to camp, boat, fish, and hike. Recently, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department began limiting capacity in the regional park system to allow for physical-distancing. However, the repetitive closures on the weekends at the lake became time-intensive for staff as they closely... Full story
Spring is bursting with great events for outdoors enthusiasts. Whether you are a kid or a senior, as long as you enjoy outdoor activities, there is something wonderful ahead for you. The International Sportsmen's Expo comes again to West World of Scottsdale on March 13-15 with a plethora of free activities, adventure destinations, gear, and services. A sincere thank you to George Andrejko, AZGFD photographer, for the cover photo that illustrates the joy youngsters can experience at the family fr... Full story
Nitro and Bass Pro Shops pro Matt Shura has been fishing bass tournaments since he was just a kid, and in fact, he held the state record for largemouth bass for some time a few years back. If you go to the fishing seminars at the Mesa Bass Pro Shop store, you've seen him there and probably heard some great bass fishing tips from him. Rig It Straight Matt took us to Saguaro in March and showed us how to fish one of his favorite early spring baits – the Reaction Innovations Little Dipper. This bai... Full story
Thousands of lanterns return to illuminate skies above Lake Pleasant. Soon after sundown, on Saturday, April 4th, friends, family and thousands of event goers will come together to share personal thoughts, wishes and goals as they set free lanterns on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant. A long-standing tradition, the lighting of (biodegradable) lanterns is a way of marking milestones, offering up wishes and goals, while celebrating in a festive, picturesque atmosphere. Drawing more than 10... Full story
Do you like boating? Want to meet new boating friends? Interested in developing better boating skills? Then you should attend our monthly general membership meetings and see what we’re all about. Lake Pleasant Sailing club is an active boating and sailing club and has been in existence for over 40 years with boating activities based around Lake Pleasant in Arizona. We welcome and seek new boaters of all types.... Website
Off-road vehicles, RVs, kayaks, motorcycles, lanterns, trucks: What do these all have in common? They are all coming to the Southwest in awesome expos and events ahead this spring. It's the time of year when the Southwest really comes alive -- on water and on land. Thank you, Bob Brown of Media Direction for the cover photo that represents the power and energy of the outdoor activities that begin at this time of the year. We recommend that you attend as many of these awesome events as you can... Full story
Children can interact with oversized vehicles. Kids, big and small, have the opportunity to interact with large vehicles such as fire trucks, earth movers, dump trucks, backhoes, and excavators at the Touch-A-Truck event being held at Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant on Saturday, Feb.15 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The event is free and affords kids the unique opportunity to climb on their favorite big vehicles, without parent reprimand. There is a $10 entrance fee... Full story
This is a huge year for Dylan with tournaments and marriage ahead. We wish him well. February can be a tough month at Bartlett. The water isn't warm yet, but it's coming, and a degree or two a day can put the bass in pre-spawn mode. This time of year, Dylan Maxon reaches for a big spinnerbait to get a limit at Bartlett. Dylan is a long-time tournament bass fisherman with some great sponsors – Signature Gates and Welding (the owner is another great fisherman – Kevin Finley), Irod Fishing Rod... Full story
Welcome to 2020! It's hard to believe it has been 20 years since the century change. My, how time flies! As we begin another new year, outdoor folk can fill their 2020 calendars with many exciting events. One of the first is Arizona Yacht Club's Birthday Regatta & Leukemia Cup, and we thank Mike Ferring for the cover photo. Also ahead is the Arizona Game & Fish Department's annual awards banquet that recognizes many who have been excellent stewards of our state's incredible outdoor treasures.... Full story
Pat Horning Retires After Many Years Of Valuable Service Letter From Pat Horning ChiefBWFR@gmail.com The National Park Service (NPS) has been a major part of my life. I grew up at Grand Canyon where my father managed the NPS water utility at Phantom Ranch. My childhood heroes were famous rangers. In 1978, I joined the NPS trail crew at Grand Canyon where I worked seasonal NPS positions for the next 17 years. In 1986, my soon-to-be wife, Lisa had an accident. To be near during her recovery, I tra... Full story
McMillan Stocks pro and Nitro State Team member Kevin Finley runs up to Lake Pleasant frequently – he lives close by, so he has become extremely familiar with this lake. Pleasant has a reputation as a tough lake to fish, but Kevin always manages to pull a few out of the water, and usually some big ones, even in January.... Website
American Indians have lived and fished along coastal and inland Northwest waters for thousands of years. In the 1850s, Indian Nations of the Pacific Northwest signed treaties with the United States government, ceding millions of acres of land. In exchange, the tribes retained reservation lands and the rights to fish and hunt in their " usual and accustomed places ", including places outside reservation boundaries.... Website
Location: Lake Havasu State Park, 699 London Bridge Rd. WON BASS and title sponsors Bass Cat Boats and Mercury Motors present the 2nd AZ Open at Lake Havasu. The Lake Havasu fishery has been on the rise for many years with the growing population of small mouth bass and a stable population of large mouth bass just waiting to be caught. Location: Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4, 171 London Bridge Rd. The Weekend Warrior Bass Series is designed for beginner or average non-professional anglers. An... Full story
This will be the last regular fish report from Lake Powell this year. We have been fall sampling, and when we finish sampling, there will be reports to update everyone about what the fish are up to in this most unusual year. Weather was cold in the springtime and continued into the summer, moisture was above normal, and runoff was strong bringing the lake up 53 feet. Something happened during this strange weather period that the fish really liked. Shad reproduction was unprecedented. Bass and... Full story